President's Holiday Messages

Veterans Day graphic: Thank you, Veterans | Honoring all who served

Veterans Day: President’s Video

We celebrate Veterans Day with videos from President Kavalhuna, student veterans, Trustee Roxanne McDonald, and Judge Gene Hunt, who founded the Veterans Court.
Vinita Parekh in traditional dress

Diwali: President’s Video

President Kavalhuna and Vinita Parekh share their reflections on this five-day festival celebrated in India and throughout the world.
Image with six-pointed star, doves, colorful background

Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur: President’s Video

President Kavalhuna and John Michael Sefel share the background and meaning of the 10 Jewish High Holy Days.
National Hispanic Heritage Month graphic

National Hispanic Heritage Month: President’s Video

President Kavalhuna and Sara Gonzalez-Herrera talk about the history and meaning of Hispanic Heritage Month.
Independence Day graphic, flag, fireworks, Statue of Liberty

Independence Day: President’s Video

President Kavalhuna's holiday video series: The president and Robert Yahrmatter talk about the meaning of the Independence Day holiday (originally created in 2021).
Illustration of a woman wearing colorful clothing and holding her arms up in celebration; Juneteenth, Freedom Day text

Juneteenth: President’s video

President Kavalhuna, HFC graduate Kalimah Gardner, and HFC Admissions Recruiter La Mar Harris share the history and personal meaning of the Juneteenth holiday.
Pride Month graphic

June is LGBTQ+ Pride Month

Henry Ford College welcomes all members of our community and provides support and resources to create an inclusive community.
Memorial Day graphic with red, white, and blue and Memorial Day Remember and Honor text

Memorial Day: President’s video

President Kavalhuna and HFC staff member Juanita Van Raden talk about the history and meaning of Memorial Day.
Image of a globe and tree held in two hands, natural plants around, green background

Earth Day and Arbor Day: President’s video

President Kavalhuna and Linda Brandt talk about the history and meaning of Earth Day and Arbor Day, and what we can do to support sustainability and create a better environment for all.
Image of passover celebration elements; "Happy Passover"

Passover: President’s video

In this video, President Kavalhuna and Corinne Asher talk about the history and meaning of the Jewish holiday of Passover. Asher's parents were Holocaust survivors, which makes the holiday even more special to her.
image of cross outside an open tomb

Holy Week, Good Friday, and Easter

President Kavalhuna shares his reflections on the high Holy Days of the Christian year.
Photo of lamps and Ramadan commemorative items

Ramadan and Eid al Fitr: President’s video

In this video made in 2022, President Kavalhuna, HFC Trustee Adel Mozip, and IEMP Coordinator Nicholas Paseiro talk about the meaning of Ramadan and Eid al Fitr.
Black History Month graphic

Black History Month: President’s video

President Kavalhuna and HFC alumna Alanna Grace Marie Schwartz talk about the meaning of Black History Month.
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day (text) and an image of the MLK monument on the National Mall.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day: President’s Video

President Kavalhuna talks about the meaning of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day in our community and in his own life.
Kwanzaa graphic

Kwanzaa: President’s Video

In this 2021 presentation, President Kavalhuna shares his reflections on the Kwanzaa holiday. A special presentation by HFC student Alanna Grace Marie Schwartz follows.
Stylized image saying "Merry Christmas"

Christmas, Advent, Epiphany: President’s Video

President Kavalhuna and HFC student Sterling Lester share their reflections on the Christmas holiday (including Advent and Epiphany).
Five people surrounded by a snowy frame, standing in front of the HFC seal

President’s Holiday Video 2023

President Kavalhuna and a special guest share reflections and wish you a joyous and peaceful holiday season.
Hanukkah image, "Happy Hanukkah"

Hanukkah: President’s Video

President Kavalhuna and Corinne Asher share the background and meaning of the Jewish festival of Hanukkah.
Image of students at HFC entrance sign with Thanksgiving overlay

Thanksgiving: President’s Video

President Kavalhuna shares his reflections on how listening and connecting can make Thanksgiving -- and the world -- better for everyone.
granite carving for 9/11 living memorial

22 years after 9/11: bringing out the best in each other

President Kavalhuna reflects on the meaning of 9/11. Being our best selves honors the legacy of sacrifice and unity. “This College stands on the promise that every student – at any age, from any background, with any dream – can succeed and have a better life through public education.”
Fourth of July / Independence Day graphic

Independence Day

Reflections on the meaning of Independence Day. This is part of the HFC President's Holiday Series.
Eid al Adha crescent graphic on blue and black background

Eid al Adha

Reflections on the meaning of the Muslim festival of Eid al Adha, the Festival of Sacrifice. This video is part of the HFC President’s Holiday Series.
Stylized graphic for Cinco de Mayo

Feliz (Happy) Cinco de Mayo

President Kavalhuna shares his reflections on this international holiday.
Arab American Heritage Month

Arab American Heritage Month: President’s video

President Kavalhuna and Sam Bazzi talk about the meaning of Arab American Heritage Month.